Family Affair

Take one part self described “glam-a-billy,” three parts “flashy folk,” mix in a dash of Vaudeville inspiration and finish with a twist of soul-filled gospel and you have the recipe for He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister. The LA quintet has perfected this blend of musical mastery, culminating on their debut LP, Nobody Dances in this Town.

The “he’s my brother” section of this team is Rob Kolar, while his counter part, “she’s my sister” is in fact, sister Rachel Kolar. Having been both SXSW and ACL charmers will come as no surprise. Rob Kolar has an amazing gift (and award-winning talent) for being a singer/songwriter while sister Rachel is able to provide a complimentary facet with her theater background as well as talents in the percussion and singer arena. These two aren’t the only ones with talent in this quintet. Guitarist Aaron Robinson has a way with chords.  Drummer Lauren Brown brings an element of fun with her beats (as well as her tap dancing talents) and Oliver Newell can perform on bass in a way that perfectly synchronizes with the all the talents of He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister.

Kicking off Town is “Tales The I Tell,” with Rachel’s sultry voice with a zest of twang blended in as if channeling Patsy Cline. The song filters into a colorful, ear-catching tune right off the bat. Brother Rob follows immediately after with “Let It Live Free.” While not quite as colorful as it’s predecessor, the song is as good, with deep and short guitar chords and matching drum beats that will leave you unable to resist the urge to dance a little bit. “Slow It Down” is its antithesis. Steady drum beats and light guitar get the song rolling before Rachel and the tambourine turn it into a foot-tapping beat that leaves you wanting to play the song one more time (and then once more). Finishing out the album is “I Can’t See The Stars,” a theatrical crescendo with a mighty and vibrant beat, every component, voice and instrument working together for an effulgent finish.

If He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister is the beginning of what 2013 has in store for us musically, this quite possibly could be one of the most musically stimulating and exciting years in a very long time.